SAM ALLARDYCE fears Darren Bent could teach his misfiring Blackburn strikers a lesson after being priced out of a move for the player.

Allardyce targeted Bent as a replacement for Roque Santa Cruz in the close season but was forced to look elsewhere due to financial restraints.

Bent, 25, has scored two goals in two Premier League games since joining Sunderland from Spurs. And Allardyce is worried Bent will show him what he is missing when Rovers visit the Stadium of Light today.

Blackburn’s last goal in the Premier League was a Benni McCarthy penalty against Portsmouth on May 9. Since then they have gone five hours and two minutes without scoring.

“We knew Spurs wanted to move Darren on, but we were financially unable to meet demands and moved on ourselves,” he said. “I knew Darren would score goals for us. He already has two in two games for Sunderland. He will finish the season with double figures.

“Although we created 20 chances against Manchester City last week, we didn’t score. It is concerning that we haven’t scored in the last three league games. It has to be put right otherwise it becomes a struggle.”

New signing Michel Salgado must wait to make his debut as he is still awaiting international clearance following his move from Real Madrid.

Salgado spent a decade at Real Madrid and helped them win the Champions League twice. He said: “I know Blackburn are not Real Madrid, but this is a new challenge for me. I could have retired but I feel fit and want to carry on playing for another two years.”